Keep away from Norovirus whereas Backpacking: Suggestions and Precautions

Norovirus is a extremely contagious virus that causes irritation in your abdomen and intestines, often known as gastroenteritis. The commonest signs of norovirus are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdomen cramps. There are periodic Norovirus outbreaks on long-distance mountaineering trails, at shelters, and path cabins or hostels the place hikers congregate.

Norovirus is extremely contagious and spreads simply by way of contaminated meals, in water sources, touching contaminated surfaces, or by shut contact with an contaminated particular person. Anybody can get contaminated with norovirus, and you will get sick a number of occasions in your lifetime as a result of there are numerous totally different strains.

Right here’s the way to reduce your probabilities of getting norovirus on a backpacking journey:

• Handwashing with cleaning soap and water is essential: Overlook relying solely available sanitizer for norovirus. Wash your arms totally with cleaning soap and water for no less than 20 seconds after utilizing the toilet, earlier than getting ready or consuming meals, and every time your arms get soiled. Sing the alphabet when you wash your arms. When backpacking, essentially the most handy type of cleaning soap to hold is Sea-to-Summit cleaning soap sheets. They’re higher than carrying liquid cleaning soap like Dr Bronners as a result of they received’t leak in your backpack and you may convey them on airplanes.
• Water remedy past filters: Norovirus might be current in water, notably pure water sources, in the event that they’re shared by many hikers just like the pool at a spring. Whereas filtration helps, think about using UV gentle, like a Steripen Extremely, or chemical Katadyn Micropur Chlorine Dioxide tablets to make sure complete purification.
• Backcountry hygiene issues: Apply good lavatory etiquette by burying waste far-off from campsites and water sources with a backcountry trowel. Don’t share private gadgets like utensils or water bottles with others and don’t put your hand in any individual else’s gorp bag, even when supplied.
• Skip the handshake: A pleasant wave or fist bump is a good way to greet fellow backpackers and keep away from spreading germs. Don’t drink from the identical bottle and skip that shared toke.
• Take into account timing your journey: Norovirus outbreaks are extra frequent throughout peak mountaineering seasons. If attainable, select much less crowded occasions to scale back your danger of encountering the virus from others 

Be vigilant. Contracting a case of Norovirus will break your day – a number of days in reality, and it’s value making the additional effort to keep away from it.

By following these precautions, you’ll be in your strategy to a contented and wholesome backpacking journey!

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